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Holidays in The Bahamas 🏝️ The best tips, travel deals & info
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida and north of Cuba, The Bahamas may be the Caribbean's best-kept secret. With over 700 islands and cays, countless bays and white sand beaches, and a rich history with a vibrant culture, The Bahamas is a holiday paradise for anyone who loves sun, sea and adventure.
The crystal clear waters of The Bahamas are perfect for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, with colourful coral reefs and shipwrecks just waiting to be explored. The islands are also home to lush mangrove forests, stunning caves and protected wildlife areas. As well as beautiful beaches and luxurious casinos, there are countless cultural and culinary tours, great art galleries, rum distilleries and fascinating museums.
Find out more about this dream destination and get all the travel information, useful facts and travel tips you need for an unforgettable holiday!
Find flights to The Bahamas
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How to get here
Nassau is frequently referred to as the gateway to The Bahamas, as the international airport, Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), has direct links with many popular departure cities, including London.
British Airways flies direct daily from London Heathrow to Nassau year round. Virgin Atlantic flies up to two times a week direct from Heathrow to Nassau, seasonally. JetBlue flies via JFK daily, year round, from Heathrow.
Getting around The Bahamas
By bike
If you want to explore the wonderful scenery and pretty towns of The Bahamas at your own pace, why not rent a bike! Many well-known tourist centres and hotels rent bikes at moderate prices.
By car
You can also easily rent a car on site. Make sure that you choose an offer with fully comprehensive cover (without excess) and the "full/full" fuel tank policy. For a small car, expect to pay on average about £50 per day. The minimum rental age for most providers is 25 years. Younger drivers have to pay an extra fee. Comparing prices is definitely worth it!
Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi, a half day tour for two costs around £115. It’s important to note that ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft are not available in The Bahamas, so you’ll need to call a taxi if you want to go down that route.
By scooter
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, there’s also the option to rent a scooter. You can get these in many well-known tourist centres for around £20–25 per hour. Helmets are compulsory!
By bus
Buses usually run from early morning until around 7pm. Prices vary depending on the route and must be paid accordingly (cash only). Just remember, you’re on island time, so if you want something that’s going to fit perfectly to your schedule, we recommend hiring a car.
Travelling between the islands
Travelling between the islands of The Bahamas can be a wonderful adventure in itself! Below we have listed some options for you.
The quickest way: Domestic flights
The fastest and most convenient way to travel between the islands is by domestic flight. Airlines such as Bahamasair and others offer regular flights between the main islands, allowing you to get to your next destination in a short time. This is ideal if you want to visit several islands and have limited time.
The easiest way: Ferries
Ferries are a convenient and relaxing way to travel between islands. For example, Bahama Ferries operate between Nassau and Great Exuma. Bahamas Fast Ferries offers twice daily sailings from Nassau to Harbor Island and North Eleuthera and twice-weekly sailings from Nassau to Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera. Adult tickets cost on average around £189 and children £137. In addition to daily services, Bahamas Fast Ferries offers visitors the opportunity to discover the islands with exciting day trips.
The cheapest way: Mail boat
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the local mail boats are the cheapest way to travel between the islands. These boats not only carry mail and goods, but also passengers, and are perfect for travellers who have a little more time on their hands and want to save on transportation costs. It's a unique way to experience The Bahamas, although the pace is often a little slower.
The luxury way: Charter planes and private boats
For those looking for the ultimate in flexibility and comfort, charter planes are the best choice for travelling between the islands of The Bahamas. This option allows you to set your own schedule and fly directly to smaller, more remote islands without any stopovers. Charter airlines such as Tropic Ocean Airways offer this type of service and although it is a more expensive option, you will enjoy exclusivity and convenience. This is perfect for travellers who value their privacy and want to make the most of their time on their island adventure.
Another luxury option is to charter a private boat to travel between the islands of The Bahamas. This gives you the freedom to sail at your own pace, discovering hidden coves and beaches and enjoying the beautiful waters of The Bahamas along the way. You can choose a sailboat, yacht or catamaran depending on your preference and budget. This option provides not only transportation, but also a unique way to experience the beauty of the archipelago from a different perspective. It is the perfect choice for travellers looking for privacy, comfort and a tailor-made adventure.
The best time to visit The Bahamas
The Bahamas has a pleasant subtropical climate. In the hot summer months from May to September, the temperature averages around 30C. The coolest time to holiday in The Bahamas is from September to May, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 27C. It is usually cooler on the northern islands than on the southern islands. The mild temperatures and pleasant climate make The Bahamas an ideal year-round travel destination.
The Bahamas are basically suitable for a beach holiday all year round. The high season in The Bahamas is mid-December to mid-April, but then prices are also highest for the fully booked hotels. The best travel time for a pleasant holiday is therefore between March and April and November to early December - in the quiet off-season in The Bahamas.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Although there is a hurricane season in The Bahamas (June through November), the risk of hurricanes is rather low, so you shouldn’t let it put you off booking a holiday during these months.
Island hopping in The Bahamas
Island hopping in The Bahamas is the best way to see the best of this tropical archipelago. From the pristine nature of the Exumas to the rich history of Nassau, each island offers a special experience you won't want to miss. Below are some of the islands in The Bahamas that are definitely worth a visit!
The Exumas
The Exumas, an archipelago of 365 islands, is the place you can't miss! Here you'll find secluded beaches, deserted coves, ultra-exclusive resorts and the world-famous swimming pigs. The Exuma Cays are also home to beautiful clear waters and stunning coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. They also host annual regattas, where the colourful boats and party atmosphere immerse you in the local culture.
Eleuthera
Eleuthera is a long island with stunning pink sand beaches and unspoilt scenery. This island is perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty. The Glass Window Bridge, where the deep blue Atlantic Ocean almost touches the calm bight of Eleuthera, is a must-see. The Pineapple Fields are also recommended, where you can learn all about the local pineapple production.
Harbour Island
Harbour Island, just off Eleuthera, is a charming island known for its pink sand beaches and colonial architecture. The lively village and friendly people make it a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful island culture.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Those looking to catch a wave should head to Eleuthera. In the '70s and '80s, Eleuthera was a surfing hotspot. Things have quietened down a bit since then, but there are still plenty of surfers around. It is easy to rent a board and wetsuit and hit the waves. The best waves are between October and April.
Long Island
Long Island is home to Dean's Blue Hole, one of the deepest blue holes in the world. This spectacular natural wonder is surrounded by steep cliffs and is the perfect place for both snorkelling and free diving. This spectacular natural wonder is surrounded by steep cliffs and is the perfect place for free diving.
Andros Island
Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas and a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. The island is famous for its Blue Holes, the third-largest barrier reef in the world, and extensive mangrove forests. Andros is also a top destination for eco-tourism and offers unique opportunities for scuba diving and sport fishing.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Mangroves are vital to protecting the coastline and preserving marine life in The Bahamas. Join the Mission for Mangroves programme and do your bit by taking part in activities such as planting mangroves and learning about their role in the ecosystem. It is a unique opportunity to play an active role in conservation while learning about these fascinating plants.
Abaco Islands
The Abaco Islands are ideal for sailing enthusiasts, with calm waters and picturesque harbours. Marsh Harbour, the largest town in the Abaco Islands, is a great base for exploring nearby cays such as Great Guana Cay and Elbow Cay. The area is also known for its friendly villages, lighthouses and charming colonial atmosphere.
Bimini Island
The closest Bahamian island to the United States, Bimini is known for its rich history and great fishing. Often referred to as the 'Big Game Fishing Capital of the World', the island attracts anglers from all over the world every year. Bimini also offers diving sites such as the mysterious Bimini Road, which some believe is part of the lost continent of Atlantis.
Nassau & Paradise Island
Finally, don't miss Nassau & Paradise Island. The capital, Nassau, oozes Bahamian and British flair. You'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions here, particularly along bustling Bay Street. Furthermore, you can expect wonderful miles of beaches and lively coral reefs, which are ideal for a snorkelling trip. Discover historic buildings such as the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle. If you visit the city during the famous Junkanoo festival, you will experience a lively parade with spectacularly dressed dancers up close.
For a day of action-packed fun, make sure to visit Bahama Bay at Bahamar on Cable Beach or the Atlantis Water Park on Paradise Island. Atlantis' iconic water park offers a range of thrilling slides, an impressive underwater tunnel and pools to relax in. It’s perfect for families and adventurers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama is home to Freeport, the second-largest city in the Bahamas. The island is a tropical playground. Spend the day visiting cultural and historical sites or take the time to experience the environment of ecological wonders that the island has to offer.
Lucayan National Park is located on the island of Grand Bahama. A perfect place for kayaking and bird watching. Another absolute highlight of the park is the underwater tunnel system. If you have a diving licence, you can even take a close look at this spectacle with professional diving instructors.
The island boasts a range of accommodation styles, including family-friendly resorts, all-inclusives and B&Bs. Whatever your budget, you'll be able to find something that suits you.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: A slightly cheaper option to the Atlantis Paradise Hotel is the Comfort Suites, which will still get you complimentary access to the Atlantis Resort, including Aquaventure Water Park, beaches and pools. Rooms start around £300+ per night. Plus, kids under 12 eat free and all have full access to the Atlantis water park.
These islands each add their own unique charm and adventure to your Bahamas island hopping experience. Depending on your interests - whether it's nature, history, culture or water sports - there's an island that's perfect for you. We'd love to visit every island in The Bahamas!
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: For eco-conscious travellers, a visit to Coral Vita on Grand Bahama is a must. This groundbreaking coral nursery is dedicated to restoring damaged coral reefs by growing coral faster and replanting it in the ocean. Take a tour to learn about the conservation of marine ecosystems and see how your visit can make a difference.
Find hotels in The Bahamas
Food & Culture in The Bahamas
The Bahamas have a mix of African, European and indigenous influences that have directly shaped their culture and cuisine. Many of the local delicacies revolve around the island nation's tropical climate and abundance of seafood.
Bahamas specialities include conch, grouper, crawfish, and fish fillet sserved with sides of baked macaroni and cheese and peas n' rice. Souse is a popular soup made with onions, water, lime juice, celery, peppers and meat. For dessert, try guava duff (guava pudding), which is served with a rum sauce.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: The Bahamas has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, beach cafes and fine dining establishments. You can save a lot of money by getting around like the locals and eating where they eat.
Try the Fish Fry (each island has its own), which is a popular dining spot for locals and tourists alike. Fish is freshly prepared and served in the snack bars. There are even sports bars here. Most stalls are open until midnight every day.
Not-to-be-missed festivals
The Bahamas is awash in culture, and one of the best ways they like to celebrate their heritage and culture is through festivals. The islands feature a lively line-up of festivals throughout the year, running from arts and culture festivals to food and wine festivals. Here is a list of the top celebrations that shouldn’t be missed if you’re planning a trip to The Bahamas.
Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival - This year's festival takes place from the 22nd to the 27th of October and features world-renowned chefs, live performances and the 2nd annual FUZE Art Expo.
Junkanoo - Bahamians on all 16 islands celebrate the happy tradition of Junkanoo. Festival goers spend months preparing for this street parade and go all out. From colourful costumes to dance routines, this celebration of Bahamian culture and history takes place on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, and on many Saturdays in summer. The biggest Junkanoo celebration is on Bay Street in Nassau.
Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival - This is the biggest food festival in Bahamian history, and lasts for five-days. The festival showcases the best wines and food from around the world at Atlantis. The next festival is set to take place March 12 - 16, 2025.
Goombay Summer Festivals - The Goombay Summer Festivals are an annual summer event in The Bahamas. The festival takes place across multiple islands and showcases the country's heritage through music, dance, art and food.
Eleuthera’s Annual Pineapple Festival - Did you know that Eleuthera has the sweetest pineapples in the world? The pineapple was once abundant on the island and exported worldwide. Today, farmers are trying to keep the industry going. The Pineapple Festival is a celebration of the farmers who work hard to harvest the pineapples.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Do you really want to experience The Bahamas like the locals do? The People-To-People programme pairs you with a local host who will show you the island's culture, traditions and hidden gems. Whether you're invited over for a home-cooked meal or to join in a local celebration, this programme offers an authentic and personal insight into island life.
Find activiities in The Bahamas
The top 5 most fun activities on and under the water
The Bahamas is, of course, a fantastic destination for anyone who loves water adventures, both on, in and under the water. Whether you want to sail, snorkel, dive or enjoy a boat tour, the possibilities are endless! Below is our list of the top 5 water activities not to be missed during your holiday in The Bahamas.
1. Swimming with the pigs
One of the most famous activities on the list of things to do in The Bahamas is of course swimming with the pigs! The most famous place to do this is Pig Beach, located on Big Major Cay.
Pig Beach attracts tons of tourists every year to photograph the pigs and go swimming with them. There are countless myths about the origin of the swimming pigs. Some believe the pigs are the remains of a shipwreck, while others believe that a few pets were simply abandoned here.
Big Major Cay is quite a bit south of the capital of The Bahamas, Nassau. So if you're spending your Bahamas holiday in the capital or on one of the surrounding islands, it's easy to get to the swimming pigs. There are quite a few boats that make the journey to Pig Beach, so no traveller needs to go home without this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Snorkelling
Snorkelling is an activity you can't get enough of, especially here! The Bahamas is known for its rich biodiversity, with colourful coral reefs full of brightly coloured fish and seagrass. The Bahamas' stunning underwater world will make you want to snorkel all day long!
At popular snorkelling spots like the Exuma Cays, you can swim with sweet piggies, tropical fish like clownfish and parrotfish, and even sea turtles. Plus, year-round warm water temperatures ensure that snorkelling is an enjoyable activity all year round.
3. Diving
Diving in The Bahamas is an unforgettable experience for beginners and experienced divers alike. The island nation was voted the number one destination for large marine life in the 2024 Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards. Here you have the chance to come face to face with an impressive variety of sharks, rays and other sea creatures.
The Bahamas is also known for the diversity of its dive sites, from mysterious shipwrecks and impressive canyons to hidden caves and numerous blue holes. The best diving is around the world's third-largest barrier reef, the 190-mile-long Andros Reef. With 150 to 200 feet of visibility and year-round warm waters, The Bahamas is a top diving destination for both adventure and recreation.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: For divers looking for a unique underwater experience, The Bahamas offers special diving programmes through the Reef Rescue Network. This is a unique opportunity to actively participate in the preservation of marine ecosystems. This platform organises a variety of adventure trips that take you to the most beautiful dive sites in The Bahamas, where you can not only enjoy the breathtaking underwater world, but also contribute to the restoration of coral reefs.
Reef Rescue Network's Experience Dives are ideal for both beginners and experienced divers looking for a meaningful and adventurous activity. During these dives you will work alongside marine biologists and other volunteers to restore damaged coral, plant new coral colonies and learn more about the challenges facing our oceans.
Whether you join a day trip or a longer expedition, you will be immersed in an educational and rewarding experience that goes beyond recreational diving.
4. Boating
It probably won't surprise you to learn that an island nation is the perfect sailing destination. Whether you're an experienced sailor looking for a long trip around several islands, a sailing enthusiast looking for a peaceful sail across turquoise waters to a secluded beach, or just want to take a fun day trip by boat to the most beautiful islands or a colourful snorkelling spot, a boat trip is an absolute must during your holiday in The Bahamas.
5. Fishing
The legendary waters are full of adventure. Whether you are casting a line from a pier for the first time or are a deep-sea enthusiast looking to break one of the more than 50 world records held here, The Bahamas is the ultimate fishing destination.
The fish are biting 365 days a year. Really!
FAQs about The Bahamas
Q: When is the best time to holiday in The Bahamas?
A: Peak season is from mid-December to mid-April, when the weather is the driest. It is no wonder that this is also the most expensive season, and the beaches and attractions can get full. Families travelling with children will want to book during these months as there will be plenty to do for young kids. Low season is between late-April through early-December, which also coincides with the hurricane season (June to November). If you plan a holiday during these months, know that you might not be able to do everything you wanted to, especially in the water. However, if you don’t mind a few days of rain mixed in with your sun, this is a great time to visit!
Q: What language is spoken in The Bahamas?
A: The official language is English, so you don’t have to worry about anything getting lost in translation.
Q: Are The Bahamas expensive?
A: The Bahamas can be expensive, however booking an all-inclusive resort can be a way of keeping costs down, especially if you’re with a family. Since everything is included in the price, you won’t have to worry about things totalling up. Look for resorts that include more than just food, but rather water sports as well.
Q: Do I need a visa to enter The Bahamas?
A: No, as a UK resident, you are allowed a stay of up to 90 days as a tourist. Your travel documents must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip and you must be in possession of an onward or return ticket.
Q: How long should I plan to stay in The Bahamas?
A: A week might be a little too short for the flight price and length. We recommend 10 days, if you can manage.
Q: What currency do they use in The Bahamas?
A: The official currency is the Bahamian dollar, which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. Because of that, U.S. currency is widely accepted throughout Nassau & Paradise Island, so if you are travelling to the States before or after your trip there's no need to exchange your money twice. Of course, most major credit cards are accepted on the islands.
📸 All photos courtesy of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
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